Wednesday May 27, 2020 ~ LANGFORD, BC [Updated May 29]
by Mary Brooke ~ West Shore Voice News
Restaurants and retail businesses in Langford may now expand their operations onto sidewalks, boulevards and other common areas during COVID-19. That’s so long as the setup is in place to make safe physical distancing practices possible.
City of Langford Council approved their ‘Sidewalk Use Bylaw No. 1917’ during their Special Council Meeting on Thursday evening, May 21, 2020.
Working proactively with businesses:
“The City recognizes the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on local businesses and is here to support them through this difficult time,” it was stated in a municipal release.
“The City is working proactively and collaboratively with businesses to help find creative solutions for businesses to realize pre-pandemic revenues that are in alignment with the new operating requirements of Work Safe BC,” it was stated.
The new Bylaw allows businesses to apply to expand current patio footprints and retail spaces onto sidewalks, boulevards and other common areas. Council has designated authority to their own staff to work directly with businesses and approve applications in a timely manner.
Fully backed by the Mayor:
“In true Langford form, we wanted to approve the new Bylaw as quickly as possible to allow our businesses to quickly re-open in a safe manner,” says Langford Mayor Stew Young.
“If you are a Langford business owner, the City is here for you and your staff. Through this Bylaw, we have cut the red tape to make the process of applying for patio expansions simple, efficient and at no cost to business, while ensuring the safety of your staff and patrons,” the mayor said. There is no fee for using the application process.
Young says the bylaw reflects the ‘new normal of Langford COVID-19’. He wants businesses to open as safely as possible, in-keeping with WorkSafe BC guidelines.
This will help not only restaurants that can welcome customers to outdoor sidewalk or boulevard areas beyond their regular business footprint, but also retail stores that can place their wares outside as a signal that the business is open.
Whereas during Phase 1 of the pandemic in BC there was Langford messaging about staying home and wearing a mask if going out to for essential shopping, this now presses the gas pedal on: “Maybe more people will go out and support these businesses, that’s our main goal,” the Mayor said.
Cooperative approach:
The City says it is working with the BC Restaurant & Food Service Association to ensure that the needs of businesses are being met while complying with the COVID-19 and other regulations of the BC government and Island Health.
In the coming days, staff will be visiting businesses to proactively assist with their plans for reopening.
Economic re-expansion during Restart BC:
Full restoration of revenues to pre-COVID levels for many businesses across the BC economy will take time.
Restart BC is presently in Phase 2 during May 19 to 31, with a broader economic expansion in Phase 3 during June to September as businesses, employees and consumers achieve various comfort levels for activity in workplaces, retail spaces and community.
===== RELATED:
WorkSafeBC – COVID-19 Safety Guidelines – supporting workers, providers and employers
Restart BC – Phase 2 | Phase 3 | and more